The City of London is finishing up construction on their micro-modular shelters for move-in the week of January 26.
Located at 3900 Cheese Factory Road, the micro-modular shelter site is for people currently experiencing homelessness.
A question with the location of the site south of highway 401 was how are people going to get there?
“In order to bring people in, it’s going to be a partnership with the lead referring agency, as well as Coordinated Informed Response (CIR),“ said Deon Rocha, Manager of Housing Stability Services. “Between Xpera on site, CIR, and the lead agency and community, they’re going to all work together to bring the individual in.”
Site operator Xpera will also provide transportation, alongside public transit, for people to access support services in addition to helping them move in.
Rocha then shared the selection process for the 70 person site.
He explains that referrals for who gets to move into the shelter comes through the Coordinated Access system, a support program for those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Then the referrals are examined case by case looking at factors including, who the person is, what unique needs they have, pets, mobility concerns and more.
Kevin Dickins, Deputy City Manager of Social and Health Development, also shared a partnership with Ark Aid Mission and other local services.
“[Ark Aid Mission] currently provide meal kits to folks. So they’ll be continuing that service to these folks here that are actually moving out of encampments to our site,” said Dickins.
Wide shot of the site of white micro-modular shelters with common area trailer on the left. (From XFM Reporter James Burnard)
With all of the support trailers and units on site the last things needed for the micro-modular shelters to be ready for housing is connecting all of the buildings to power and finalizing water and sewer.
The micro-modular shelter site will have 60 units and accommodate pre-existing pets. 50 units are set for individuals and 10 units are designed for couples.
Any pets brought in will have provided pet care, including spaying, neutering and vaccinations that will be assisted by the city.
The micro-modular shelters are temporary with the site planned to operate until April 2027.
For more information on the micro-modular shelter click here.
